Christmas tree becomes new Korean flashpoint

A Christmas tree is threatening to become the latest flashpoint between the two Koreas just a day after both sides stepped back from the brink of war.

South Korean marines have been deployed to protect a large Christmas tree on top of a military-controlled hill along the tense land border with the North.

A South Korean church is planning to switch on Christmas lights on the tree later today, the first such display in six years.

On Monday the South conducted a live-fire artillery drill on Yeonpyeong island, which was shelled last month by North Korea.

The North forswore retaliation despite previously vowing a deadly response to the South's drill.

[link to www.abc.net.au]